Besides guaranteeing peace, UPDF has promoted health and Education in Uganda
Charles Achoda
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) participates in productive activities for the development of Uganda. On 06th February 2019, UPDF will be celebrating its 38th birthday on a day dubbed Tarehe Sita which is an occasion where the UPDF demonstrates the strategic bond which exists between the army and the civilians.
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Tarehe Sita as a day is preceded by a week of community service and other activities called the army week. On 06th February 1981, 41 patriotic men with only 27 guns attacked Kabamba barracks and launched a war of resistance that resulted into a fundamental change in the politics of Uganda after five years of a guerrilla war. Tarehe Sita celebrations therefore, mark and recognise not only the birth of UPDF but the heroism and gallantry exhibited by the forty men who made the foundation on which the UPDF rests today as a peoples’ revolutionary army. So, as Ugandans join the UPDF in commemorating the 38th Tarehe Sita anniversary, I would like to commend the institution for maintaining peace and stability in the country which has enabled us to co-exist.
Following the noble contribution of UPDF, restoration of peace and stability in our country, the army has extended hand in improving delivery of social services and wellbeing of Ugandans. With the professionalisation of the armed force, the engineering brigade has played a tremendous role in face lifting and construction of schools and hospitals in the country. This has greatly improved the social being of Ugandans as they freely access medical attention and children going to school.
Looking at Tarehe Sita celebrations this year in Acholi, the UPDF has embarked on implementing various activities to mark the army week. They are constructing and repairing various health facilities with the aim of boosting the country’s health sector. Notable among many repaired and revamped facilities are; the Anti-Retroviral treatment clinic in Kitgum hospital, Pader Health Centre II, Padibe Health Centre III, Nwoya Health Centre III, Omoro Health Centre III and so many other health facilities in the country.
In the ongoing Tarehe Sita celebrations, UPDF medical doctors are conducting free medical camps in all eight districts of Acholi subregion. The services include, dental services, eye clinics, voluntary HIV/AIDS counselling and testing, safe male circumcision, among many others. Country wide, UPDF is offering free medical services in various military hospitals including; Bombo, Mbuya, Entebbe, Gulu Military Hospital and others. These hospitals not only serve the military but also the civilian community.
The excellent service of our gallant sons and daughters in military fatigue has not stopped in the Health Sector alone, they have made a shocking contribution to the Education sector as well. UPDF has done and continues to do a lot in constructing schools countrywide, they also teach and engage in sporting activities. During this army week, UPDF is renovating four classroom blocks at St Kizito Aywee Primary School in Gulu district, completion of a four-classroom block at Omee Primary School in Amuru district and many others. The UPDF will also be carrying out discussions and educational interactions with students and youth in different schools across the region. Various schools across the country have been constructed by UPDF and others face lifted like Mbarara Army Primary, Jinja Army Primary School, Nakasongola Army Primary School, Achol-Pii Primary and Secondary among others.
Tarehe Sita and the army week remain important annual events for UPDF and the country at large because of the civil military activities that they carry on which are a corporate social responsibility to the people of Uganda with the aim of renewing the strategic relationship with the local people through building, consolidating and maintaining harmonious and shared prosperity.
This year, Ugandans especially the people of Acholi should take full advantage of these services as they join the UPDF in commemorating the 38th Tarehe Sita army week hosted in Kitgum Core Primary Teachers College on 06th February 2019 under the theme; Consolidating Peace for Sustainable Development and Prosperity.
The constitution of the republic of Uganda and the UPDF Act 2005 mandates UPDF to function as a people’s army. Accordingly, the UPDF has a responsibility to cooperate with civilian authority in all situations of disaster. The Tarehe Sita activities are aimed at appreciating the masses for their support in bringing peace and stability to Uganda which has opened way for social-economic transformation, improving the livelihood of the people of Acholi, Lango and Uganda at large. Happy Tarehe Sita celebrations to our brothers and sisters in uniform, may their works continue to impact on all Ugandans and the entire global community.
Mr Charles Achoda is a Communications Assistant at Government Citizens Interaction Centre, Ministry of ICT & National Guidance.
